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Rep. Maloney Update on Chelsea Bombing

Sep 18, 2016

Press Release

NEW YORK, NY – Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12) released the following statement Sunday afternoon after a meeting at the Emergency Management Command Post.

“Our emergency responders have been working tirelessly to make sure that our community is safe and that those who need aid get the assistance they need and area residents have expressed their gratitude and admiration to me for the NYPD during this incident.

“The Red Cross is on site here in Chelsea and is making sure that 200 meals are being delivered to our local residence for the blind with 180 residents – these meals were purchased from an area restaurant that was in the affected area. In addition, emergency system alerts are being sent out and our emergency responders are checking in on residents in the area who might need special assistance.

“It is devastating to see the physical damage that the explosion caused and reminds us that we are lucky that there were no fatalities. Windows in the area were blown out, including all of the stained glass at St Vincent de Paul Church. This is the first successful attack in New York since 9/11, we owe it to our law enforcement professionals that it has taken 15 years. In that time, there have been numerous thwarted attacks, include the smoking car in Times Square.

“I have been assured that the FBI is here and working closely with the city’s emergency management and they are examining all available video footage, specifically that from red light cameras in the area.

“I want to assure residents that 27th Street will be opening soon and that the area has been secured after the discovery of the pressure cooker. This area needs to be being examined for all possible evidence.

“On a positive note; all those injured in the blast have been released from area hospitals and we are certainly grateful the medical teams that took care of them so swiftly and adeptly.

“There are many unusual circumstances around this blast – including that no organization has yet taken claim and that this was a soft target. The perpetrators chose to attack an area that is not well known to the people outside of New York City.

“I look forward to continuing to work with emergency management, the Red Cross and law enforcement to aid the people of Chelsea and bring the perpetrators to justice. I urge anyone with any information to come forward.”